Method and Apparatus to Make Decorative Fastenings for Carrier Bags Containing Gifts, Easy to Apply and of Pleasing Appearance

ABSTRACT

A device for fastening bags has a length of adhesive tape with a decorative object fixed to one or both ends of the length of tape. The device is produced in series by an apparatus having: actuators for linear and angular feed, a pair of pneumatic pincers, a cutter, a reel to carry the roll of adhesive tape, a stitching device and a dispenser of the decorative pompom. A microprocessor controls the apparatus for cyclical execution of the method wherein: the pincers engage the end of the tape through a cutter and pull the tape for a previously set length to bring it between the stitching device and a first pompom. The cutter then cuts the tape. The pompon is stitched to the non-glued surface and the pincers pull the tape for an equal length so as to bring its other end between the stitching device and a second pompon which is then stitched onto the tape. The pincers rotate and open to expel the finished product.

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention relates to decorative products in general, and in particular to a method and to an apparatus for making decorative fastenings for bags enclosing gifts, fastenings that are easy to apply and pleasing to look at.

PRESENT STATE OF THE ART

A tendency at present in vogue is to use carrier-type bags of paper, of woven or non-woven fabrics, or of plastic material for containing gifts rather than the former types of packaging with paper and string . FIG. 1A shows a short strip of semi-transparent adhesive tape, often called sticky tape, to hold together the top edges of such bags, also known as shoppers. FIGS. 1B and 1C show front and side perspective views of these bags fastened by the adhesive tape in FIG. 1A.

Because of its parallel edges, the bag can be suitably fastened with adhesive tape, labels, clips or pegs, apart from the handles with which it is supplied. These fastening methods match the edges together by mechanical action (clips, pegs) or by exploiting superficial adhesive properties (tapes, labels). The fastening means in FIG. 1A is decidedly Spartan and out of key with the decorations on the bag. FIGS. 2A and 2B show some well-known ways of attempting to create a more attractive effect after fastening the bag as explained above.

FIG. 2A shows the same bag as in FIG. 1B, fastened by a centrally placed label that joins the two edges, and with a ribbon tied to the string handles. The tape acts in two ways, by joining the two handles and by producing a decorative effect. Joining the two handles is not sufficient to prevent the objects in the bag from falling out and the label is affixed for this purpose, while the general effect is visibly improved. FIG. 2B shows the same bag as in FIG. 1B fastened by a clip stapled on centrally to join the edges, and with a bow for decoration attached at the top.

These examples make clear the substantial distinction that exists between fastening devices and decorations, a distinction all the more evident if the bags have no handles.

Unless care is taken, in fastening the bags with adhesive tape or labels, the glued sides may become superimposed and stuck together rendering the fastening useless. Precautions against this consist in covering the adhesive surfaces with a strip of protective paper that is easily torn off. When tearing the strip off, to avoid the fingers coming in contact with the glued surface, the protective paper presents at least one previously prepared margin which the thumb can touch. Even so, the risk of superimposition of surfaces still remains as it is no easy matter to manage the bare tape holding it with the finger tips, especially if hindered by the string handles on such carrier bags.

These practical drawbacks are inherent in the use of adhesive tape for fastening purposes, quite apart from its aesthetic limitations.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,274 discloses a self-adhering bow for application to an object, comprising: a) a preformed bow member with a base portion; b) a pair of flexible ribbon application bands with a surface coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, the two adhesive surfaces being initially adherent to each other; c) means like a staple to secure one end of the double application bands to the base portion of the bow; d) wherein the application bands may be separated and the exposed layers of pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the object to adhere the bow to the object.

This self-adhering bow makes use of easily detachable adhesive layers, so that the side effects of superimposing adhesive surface is drastically reduced and there is not hint in this optic. Besides, due the central position of the bow between the two lengths of adhesive tape, it seems a device inadequate to fasten bags like gift shoppers with two edges to be joined.

Concerning method and apparatus to carry out decorative objects with adhesive strips to be attached to bags or packages, an interesting prior art seems constituted by the U.S. Pat. No. 3,616,974 patent document, which discloses a method for manufacturing decorative bows and the relevant apparatus. The decorative bow is constituted by a sequence of continuous ribbon loops disposed side by said and pressed against the adhesive surface of a composite backing strip orthogonal to the originating loop. This implies peeling off the backing strip of its protective paper strip using rolls. The described machine includes a strip-feeding mechanism and a ribbon-feeding mechanism. The first intercepts the adhesive strip at one end of a linear path and pushes the strip along a straight guide towards the second mechanism placed before a looping station at the other end of the linear path, where a cutoff device is situated. The strip-feeding mechanism includes many pinch rolls controlled by a ratchet wheel whose angular increments determine the average speed of the backing strip. The greater speed of ribbon in respect of the back strip allows the formation of a loop during the progression of a short strip tract.

The main drawback of the apparatus (and method ) of the last citation is that it doesn't allow to obtain fastening devices constituted by a length of only adhesive strip with attached at one end a decorative object selectable among a large variety of possible ones (e.g.: pompoms, stars, etc. and non-ribbon-type as cockades).

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

Purpose of the present invention is to provide a device that combines the ability to fasten carrier bags, used instead of otherwise packaging a gift, with greater ease of application and obtaining a more attractive effect, while avoiding the drawbacks described above.

A further purpose of the present invention is to indicate a method for making said fastening devices.

A further purpose of the present invention is to describe an apparatus for producing in series the fastening devices according to said method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve these purposes, the subject of the present invention is a fastening device comprising adhesive tape as described in claim 1.

The FIGS. 3A, 4A and 5A indicate three ways of making the fastening and at the same time decorative device, especially for gift bags, according to the present invention. The devices illustrated respectively include decorations in the form of stars, bows and pompons, at either end of the tape. FIGS. 3B, 4B and 5B show a more widely-used and less expensive example where the decoration is placed at only one end of the adhesive tape. Different types of decorations can be used for the purpose, such as bows, pompoms, cockades, stars, ribbons, etc. These types only differ in appearance, their practical purpose being the same. FIGS. 6 and 7 show perspective views, respectively a front and a side view of the gift bag when fastened and decorated with a pompom seen in FIG. 5A.

The far greater elegance conferred on the bag by the present invention is immediately clear on comparing FIGS. 6 and 7 with the former versions seen in FIGS. 1B and 1C. Easier applicability is also proved though not very obvious since it could also be achieved even if some other object, suitable for the purpose but without any aesthetic value, were used instead of the pompom or bow.

Application to the bag of the invented device is the only operation needed to obtain improved applicability of the fastening means and increased elegance for the bag, with or without the presence of handles. Recalling what has already been said about residual drawbacks attending known fastening means, it may be deduced that the presence of even only one decorative object makes it easier to handle the bare tape thereby lessening the risk of superimposing adhesive parts and also facilitating application at the correct point needed for securely joining the two edges of the bag.

Although examples cited up to now have concerned gift bags only, the fastening device shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 can also be used for shopping bags or the like, as well as for packages generally where it is desired to add a touch of elegance or to replace coloured string, tape or ribbon.

As an alternative to having two practical/decorative objects at the ends of a length of adhesive tape, two or more such objects of suitable size can also be placed along the whole of its length.

A further subject of the invention is a method for producing the fastening device, as described in an independent claim concerning the method itself which is simple enough; a series of decorative objects are applied to both ends of a piece of adhesive tape cut from a roll and fed through a cutter that cuts it off at a previously established length.

A further subject of the invention is an apparatus that functions according to the directives of the method referred to above and described in an independent claim concerning the manufacturing equipment. The apparatus may be independent in which case it is provided with a dispenser that automatically feeds in the practical/decorative objects used to make the fastening means, or else it can be added to another apparatus that makes said decorative objects. In either case production can be in series.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further purposes and advantages of the present invention will be made clearer from the following detailed description of an example already produced, and by the attached drawings supplied for explanatory purposes but in no way limited to these, in which:

FIG. 1A already described, shows a piece of plain adhesive tape used to fasten together the edges of gift bags in the manner already known;

FIGS. 1B and 1C, already described, respectively show front and side views, in perspective, of a gift bag fastened with the strip of adhesive tape seen in the preceding figure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B, already described, show the same gift bag fastened by the means already known and finished with two kinds of decorations, as is done at present;

FIGS. 3A, 4A, 5A, already described, show an example of devices for fastening gift bags, subject of the present invention;

FIGS. 3B, 4B, 5B show examples not claimed by the present invention;

FIGS. 6 and 7, already described, respectively show front and side views, in perspective, of a gift bag fastened and decorated with the device in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 8 shows a provisional diagrammatically drawn view of the apparatus for serial production of the fastening means shown in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 9 to 16 illustrate the reciprocal positions assumed by the parts of the apparatus in FIG. 8 during the steps comprised in the method of operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERRED FORMS OF REALIZING THE INVENTION

The figures illustrating some forms of realizing the fastening means according to the present invention have already been described so that, with reference to FIG. 8, a description can now be given of a possible apparatus for producing said means and of the method governing the way said apparatus functions making reference to the figures here following.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 8 is applied to a component part 1 which, at the manufacturer's discretion, may be an automatic dispenser of a pompom 2, or an apparatus that produces said pompom. The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 8 is a simplified form to show the main parts and how they relate to each other during production.

For the sake of convenience other parts, well-known to designers of automatic machines used in industrial processes, have not been shown. Operation of the whole apparatus is controlled by a microprocessor by means of sensors and actuators normally used for the purpose.

The apparatus in FIG. 8 comprises a frame 3 to which the various components parts are fixed, including the dispenser/forming means 1 and a container 23 to hold the finished product. The fixed frame 3 also comprises uppermost a mobile part 4 shaped like a shelf with a squared profile that can slide back and forth along two vertical guides 21 and 22 of the frame 3, moved by a linear feed actuator 19 fixed to the guide 21, and whose sliding arm 20 is fixed to one end of the underside of the shelf 4. Above the shelf 4 are three actuators the first two, 15 and 17, of which accomplish a linear movement, and the third 5 an angular movement. Actuator 17 is rigidly fixed to the shelf 4 on one side of the frame 3, and its sliding arm 18 is fixed to a plate which provides an anchorage for the next actuator 15. This actuator and its anchorage plate are fixed to the shelf 4 so as to be able to translate horizontally back and forth when moved by the actuator 17. The sliding arm 16 of the actuator 15 is fixed to an anchorage plate that supports the successive angular actuator 5. This actuator and its anchorage plate are fixed to the shelf 4 and can translate horizontally back and forth under combined pressure from actuators 15 and 17. The rotating arm 6 of the angular actuator 5 is joined to a pair of pneumatic pincers 7 fitted with two prehensile means, 8, 8′, one at each end, for gripping the free end of an adhesive tape 9 used for series production of the fastening devices.

About halfway up the side of the frame 3 towards the actuator 17 is a fixed support for a reel 11 containing a roll of adhesive tape 9, said support also carrying a cutter 10 placed on the line followed by the tape 9 at a set distance from the reel 11. This distance can be adjusted by moving the cutter 10 along the horizontal supports of the structure carrying the reel, and screwing it into holes placed at a short distance one from another. Underneath the sliding shelf 4, between the pneumatic pincers 7, standing vertically, and the cutter 10, two short parallel guides are fixed used for translating a fourth linear actuator 13, anchored at the upper end of a stitching device 12. The arm 14 of the actuator 13 is fixed to the shelf 4 to allow the stitching device to translate up and down in relation to said shelf. The dispenser/forming means 1 supplies the pompom 2 through an upper opening through which emerges an elevator placed precisely opposite the stitching device 12 situated so as to sustain the pompom 2 when it is being stitched onto the tape 9. The tape 9 carries a strip of protective paper (not shown) laid over its upper glued surface facing towards the stitching device 12. The protective strip may already be cut through at suitable intervals to facilitate its removal or else these cuts can be made when it is inside the cutter 10.

The way the apparatus in FIG. 8 works, according to the method of production for which it is designed, will be explained in detail in FIGS. 9 to 16. As regards construction of the machine, its single parts are already known as they are either available on the market or can easily be designed by any technician operating in this field, while the way these parts are placed and their timed coordinated action are directed in a unique manner for obtaining the product desired. It may be noted at this point that the machine possesses degrees of flexibility that enable it to produce fastening means of different lengths as well as different types and numbers of functional/ornamental objects. The length given to the strip of tape 9 generally depends on the size of the gift bag on which it is to be used, this being also partly true as regards the size of the decorations themselves. The length of the strip of tape 9 may therefore vary between a maximum and a minimum by adjusting the position of the cutter 10 along the supporting framework between the minimum and maximum distances possible from the reel 11. The device for holding the cutter 10 in place can also be adjusted so that the distance between it and the reel 11 can also be varied; this can also be done automatically by means of another linear actuator. The position given to the linear actuator 19 that moves up and down along the guide 21, and the length of its arm 20, are such as to prevent the reel 11 from being crushed. For greater safety, however, a travel-stop is placed along the guides 21 and 22. The stitching device 12 participates in vertical translation of the shelf 4, adding its own translating movement that enables it to rise up at the start of each working cycle, allowing the pneumatic pincer 7 to pass and reach the cutter 10 so as to pick up the end of the tape 9 beyond the cutter when each new length has been cut. The cutter 10 is so devised that it holds the tape 9 after the cut has been made, until the blades become automatically separated allowing the two prehensile ends, 8 and 8′, of the pincers 7 to pass through the blades and take up a position on the two faces of the adhesive tape 9. The stitching device 12 could be replaced by a stapler or by a gluer. The pneumatic pincers 7 can be rotated at 90° in which position they function intermittently and can stitch a series of pompoms, or similar objects, one after another, obviously if they are small ones, onto a single strip of tape. In this case the controlling microprocessor restrains the cutter 10 and causes the arm 16 of the actuator 15, and the pneumatic pincers 7, to translate back and forth so that short lengths of tape 9 are drawn in turn under the stitching device 12.

A description now follows of the method by which the apparatus in FIG. 8 functions, keeping the same numbers for the different parts as in FIG. 8 for all the following figures. Each one describes a step in the manufacturing method which in turn corresponds to the program stored in the microprocessor.

-   -   In step 1 (FIG. 9) the pneumatic pincers 7 take the adhesive         tape 9 from the roll 11 through the cutter 10.     -   In step 2 (FIG. 10) the pneumatic pincers 7, moved by elongation         of the arm 16 of the linear actuator 15, carry the adhesive tape         9 above the dispenser/pompom-forming means 1, after which the         cutter 10 cuts the adhesive tape 9 at the previously established         length. The length of translation coincides with the desired         length for the strip of tape 9.     -   In step 3 (FIG. 11) the entire mechanism joined to the shelf 4         in FIG. 8 (namely all parts drawn in the figure with the         exception of 10, 10′, 11) is lowered to carry the length of         adhesive tape 9 above the dispenser/pompom-forming means 1         which, in the second case, will have finished making the pompom         2. The stitching device 12 then stitches the pompom 2 onto the         adhesive tape 9.     -   In step 4 (FIG. 12) the same mechanism as above is raised to its         starting level and, drawn along because now stitched to the         adhesive tape 9, the pompom 2 becomes detached from its support         30 fixed to the dispenser/pompom-forming means 1.     -   In step 5 (FIG. 13) the pneumatic pincers 7, moved by elongation         of the arm 18 of the linear actuator 17, translates further to         the left pulling with it the pompom 2 stitched onto one end of         the length of tape 9; in the meantime another pompom 31 is ready         on the stand 30. The length of elongation of the arm 18 is the         same as that made in step 2, namely sufficient to carry the free         end of the length of tape 9 exactly above the newly-formed         pompom 31.     -   In step 6 (FIG. 14), as in step 3, the entire mechanism is         lowered over the new pompom 31 and the stitching device 12         stitches the second pompom onto the other end of the length of         adhesive tape 9.     -   In step 7 (FIG. 15), as in step 4, the whole mechanism is raised         to the level from which it started, carrying with it the         finished product. The angular actuator 5 rotates its arm 6 to         move the pneumatic pincers 7 above the container 23 (FIG. 8);         the prehensile ends, 8 and'8′, of the pneumatic pincers 7 then         open and allow the product to fall into the container 23.     -   In step 8 (FIG. 16) the elongating arms 16 and 18 of the linear         actuators 15 and 17, as also the rotating arm of the angular         actuator 5, return to their initial positions to start a fresh         manufacturing cycle for production of a new decoration. The         pneumatic pincers 7 move to take another piece of adhesive tape         9 and a new decoration 32 is made ready on the support 30.

In the version used for making fastening means with a single pompom at one end, steps 1 to 5 are executed, then directly followed by steps 7 and 8, omitting step 6 for stitching on the second pompom.

As the above invention has been described and illustrated solely as examples in no way limitative to explain its essential characteristics it is understood that some changes may be made to it without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the annexed claims. 

1-16. (canceled)
 17. Fastening device for bags with two edges (FIG. 6, FIG. 7), the device comprising a first ribbon-type (FIG. 3B, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5B) or non-ribbon-type decorative object fixed to one end of a length of adhesive tape, characterized by the fact that it includes a second decorative object (FIG. 3A, FIG. 4A, FIG. 5A) of the same type of the first one fixed to the other end of the length of tape for enabling said device to be picked up manually for applying the adhesive tape on the two joined edges of the bag (FIG. 6, FIG. 7).
 18. The device as in claim 17, characterized by the fact that said decorative object is a pompom made of ribbon (FIG. 5A).
 19. The device as in claim 17, characterized by the fact that said decorative object is a bow made of ribbon (FIG. 4A).
 20. The device as in claim 17, characterized by the fact that said decorative object is a star made of ribbon (FIG. 3A).
 21. The device as in claim 17, characterized by the fact that said decorative object is a cockade.
 22. The device as in claim 17, characterized by the fact that it includes further decorative objects of the same type spaced along the whole length of tape.
 23. Method for production of the fastening device as in claim 17, characterized by the fact that it includes the following steps repeated in cycles: a) using pincers (7, 8, 8′) to pick up the end of a roll of adhesive tape (9) drawing it through a cutter (10, 10′); b) translating (15, 16) the pincers (7, 8, 8′) with the tape (9) attached thereto for a distance corresponding to the desired length of the tape so that the end lies between a first ribbon or non-ribbon-type of decorative object (2), produced in each operative cycle, and a device (12) for fixing said decorative object (2) to the non-adhesive surface of the tape (9); c) cutting through the tape (9) with said cutter (10, 10′); d) permanently attaching said first decorative object (2) to the engaged end of said tape (9); e) making a second translation (17, 18) of the same length as that made in step (b); f) permanently attaching a second decorative object (31) of the same type of the previous one to the to the other end of the length of tape (9); g) opening the pincers (7, 8, 8′) to expel the finished product.
 24. The method in claim 23, characterized by the fact that, in step g) said pincers (7, 8, 8′) are caused to rotate to a previously set angle before being released.
 25. Apparatus for executing the method in claim 23, characterized by the fact that it includes: pincers (7, 8, 8′) to engage the end of a roll of adhesive tape (9) and passing it through cutting means (10, 10′); first means (15, 16) for translating said engaging means (7, 8, 8′) along a previously set length; means (1, 30) for dispensing ribbon or non-ribbon type of decorative objects (2, 31, 32) laid in position on the non-glued surface of the tape, said decorative objects being placed at a distance from said cutting means (10, 10′ ) corresponding to said previously set length. means (12) for fixing both said decorative objects (2, 31, 32) to said tape (9) in correspondence of the respective ends of the finished product, said fixing means(12) being situated onto the glued surface of the tape opposite said dispensing means (1, 30); second translating means (17, 18) situated downstream of said first means (15, 16) of translation to extend, by said previously set length, the translation of said engaging means (7, 8, 8′); means (5, 7, 8, 8′) for expelling the finished product joined in succession to said first means (15, 16) of translation.
 26. The apparatus in claim 25, characterized by the fact that said means of expulsion include means (5) for rotating said pincers (7, 8, 8′) to a previously set angle.
 27. The apparatus in claim 25 characterized by the fact that said means of translation (15, 17) and of rotation (5) are actuators.
 28. The apparatus in claim 25, characterized by the fact that said pincers (7, 8, 8′) are pneumatically controlled.
 29. The apparatus in claim 25, characterized by the fact that said fixing means (12) includes a stitching device.
 30. The apparatus in claim 25, characterized by the fact that said means (1, 30) for dispensing decorative objects include an apparatus for producing said objects. 